CelticsStrong
Celtics Basketball => Celtics Talk => Topic started by: crownontherocks on January 31, 2013, 07:06:32 PM
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By Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff
Celtics president of basketball operations went on WEEI's Big Show Thursday afternoon and said his team was not close to making a trade but that he'd been open to discussing any deal that would make the Celtics better.
"We are open and listening, but we don't feel pressure to do anything," said Ainge. "Whether we win every game or whether we struggle, I think it all depends on what opportunities are presented. We want to make some change to help improve our team."
The player who would seem to have the most value on the open market is Paul Pierce. He's a veteran who can help a contending team win now, and only $4 million of his $15.3 million contract for next season is guaranteed. Ainge said he has not received any offers for Pierce, but he said that he would inform his veteran forward of any potential trade discussions.
"Nothing has been talked about with Paul," said Ainge. "Nothing is close to being done. I too would like to see Paul retire as a Celtic.That would be great. We're all attached to Paul. He's been great for the city, the franchise, and he's been a true pro. Having said that, if something came up I would talk to Paul. My job is to do what's in the best interest of our team, regardless of my personal ties or my personal feelings with the players."
Ainge was also adamant that he was not currently in the market to pick up another point guard to replace Rajon Rondo.
"Not right now," he said. "There's a lot of reasons why we're not just jumping out and doing something.There really is nobody that you can find to replace Rondo, either through a trade or free agent acquisition, at this time of year. We like the guys -- Barbosa's been dying for a chance to play, and Jason Terry, and Avery Bradley at the point. I think all those guys are looking for an opportunity."
The Celtics have won their last two games with Rondo, and talk radio was filled Thursday with fans calling in suggesting that the team might be better without its All-Star point guard. Ainge quickly shot down notion.
"He single-handedly carries us every night, and I don't know how people don't see that," said Ainge. "It's silly. He's a great, great player, and he's proven that time and time again. The guy's been MVP of probably four or five series over the last five years. He's been the best player in a series against LeBron James. He's been the best player in a series against Derrick Rose. He's been the best player in three games in a Finals series. The guy has done too many good things. The question is, 'Are the pieces right around him?'"
One criticism of Rondo is that he dominates the ball too much. Another is that he cares too much about his statistics. Ainge called the entire notion of double-doubles and triple-doubles "nonsense" and said he understands the criticism of Rondo's attempt at keeping his streak of consecutive games with double-digit assists alive earlier this season vs. Detroit. But he says most of Rondo's triple-double performances have transcended the stats.
"The rebounds he gets, most guards can't get," said Ainge. "The assists that he gets, a lot of people can't get."
Ainge sounded relatively happy with his current team. He did not sound like a GM looking to make drastic changes for this season.
"I think I've been pretty consistent on this team the last couple of years,"he said. "I said I like the individuals. Obviously I don't like 20-23, which we were when Rondo got hurt. I didn't like any part of that.
"But what I particularly said is I like what these guys are made of, especially our core guys. When it comes down to playoff basketball, I know what they're made of, and I know that they have the gear to take it to another level."
Ainge said he expected the Celtics to make some kind of move, but not necessarily a major one, before the Feb. 21 NBA trade deadline.
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What's new?
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What's new?
1. Point-blank admitting he'd trade Pierce (but talk to him first). I don't think I've heard Ainge go on the record like that before.
2. His comments on the criticisms of Rondo, and the belief that the team is better off without him (wonder if Ainge reads Celticsblog).
3. His expectation of making a trade before the deadline. Wyc has also said this, but Ainge hasn't said so, if I recall correctly.
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When is he ever not?
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By Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff
Celtics president of basketball operations went on WEEI's Big Show Thursday afternoon and said his team was not close to making a trade but that he'd been open to discussing any deal that would make the Celtics better.
"We are open and listening, but we don't feel pressure to do anything," said Ainge. "Whether we win every game or whether we struggle, I think it all depends on what opportunities are presented. We want to make some change to help improve our team."
The player who would seem to have the most value on the open market is Paul Pierce. He's a veteran who can help a contending team win now, and only $4 million of his $15.3 million contract for next season is guaranteed. Ainge said he has not received any offers for Pierce, but he said that he would inform his veteran forward of any potential trade discussions.
"Nothing has been talked about with Paul," said Ainge. "Nothing is close to being done. I too would like to see Paul retire as a Celtic.That would be great. We're all attached to Paul. He's been great for the city, the franchise, and he's been a true pro. Having said that, if something came up I would talk to Paul. My job is to do what's in the best interest of our team, regardless of my personal ties or my personal feelings with the players."
Ainge was also adamant that he was not currently in the market to pick up another point guard to replace Rajon Rondo.
"Not right now," he said. "There's a lot of reasons why we're not just jumping out and doing something.There really is nobody that you can find to replace Rondo, either through a trade or free agent acquisition, at this time of year. We like the guys -- Barbosa's been dying for a chance to play, and Jason Terry, and Avery Bradley at the point. I think all those guys are looking for an opportunity."
The Celtics have won their last two games with Rondo, and talk radio was filled Thursday with fans calling in suggesting that the team might be better without its All-Star point guard. Ainge quickly shot down notion.
"He single-handedly carries us every night, and I don't know how people don't see that," said Ainge. "It's silly. He's a great, great player, and he's proven that time and time again. The guy's been MVP of probably four or five series over the last five years. He's been the best player in a series against LeBron James. He's been the best player in a series against Derrick Rose. He's been the best player in three games in a Finals series. The guy has done too many good things. The question is, 'Are the pieces right around him?'"
One criticism of Rondo is that he dominates the ball too much. Another is that he cares too much about his statistics. Ainge called the entire notion of double-doubles and triple-doubles "nonsense" and said he understands the criticism of Rondo's attempt at keeping his streak of consecutive games with double-digit assists alive earlier this season vs. Detroit. But he says most of Rondo's triple-double performances have transcended the stats.
"The rebounds he gets, most guards can't get," said Ainge. "The assists that he gets, a lot of people can't get."
Ainge sounded relatively happy with his current team. He did not sound like a GM looking to make drastic changes for this season.
"I think I've been pretty consistent on this team the last couple of years,"he said. "I said I like the individuals. Obviously I don't like 20-23, which we were when Rondo got hurt. I didn't like any part of that.
"But what I particularly said is I like what these guys are made of, especially our core guys. When it comes down to playoff basketball, I know what they're made of, and I know that they have the gear to take it to another level."
Ainge said he expected the Celtics to make some kind of move, but not necessarily a major one, before the Feb. 21 NBA trade deadline.
dis gon be good. ;)
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No trades please.
And definitely not just for the sake of it.
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By Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff
Celtics president of basketball operations went on WEEI's Big Show Thursday afternoon and said his team was not close to making a trade but that he'd been open to discussing any deal that would make the Celtics better.
"We are open and listening, but we don't feel pressure to do anything," said Ainge. "Whether we win every game or whether we struggle, I think it all depends on what opportunities are presented. We want to make some change to help improve our team."
The player who would seem to have the most value on the open market is Paul Pierce. He's a veteran who can help a contending team win now, and only $4 million of his $15.3 million contract for next season is guaranteed. Ainge said he has not received any offers for Pierce, but he said that he would inform his veteran forward of any potential trade discussions.
"Nothing has been talked about with Paul," said Ainge. "Nothing is close to being done. I too would like to see Paul retire as a Celtic.That would be great. We're all attached to Paul. He's been great for the city, the franchise, and he's been a true pro. Having said that, if something came up I would talk to Paul. My job is to do what's in the best interest of our team, regardless of my personal ties or my personal feelings with the players."
Ainge was also adamant that he was not currently in the market to pick up another point guard to replace Rajon Rondo.
"Not right now," he said. "There's a lot of reasons why we're not just jumping out and doing something.There really is nobody that you can find to replace Rondo, either through a trade or free agent acquisition, at this time of year. We like the guys -- Barbosa's been dying for a chance to play, and Jason Terry, and Avery Bradley at the point. I think all those guys are looking for an opportunity."
The Celtics have won their last two games with Rondo, and talk radio was filled Thursday with fans calling in suggesting that the team might be better without its All-Star point guard. Ainge quickly shot down notion.
"He single-handedly carries us every night, and I don't know how people don't see that," said Ainge. "It's silly. He's a great, great player, and he's proven that time and time again. The guy's been MVP of probably four or five series over the last five years. He's been the best player in a series against LeBron James. He's been the best player in a series against Derrick Rose. He's been the best player in three games in a Finals series. The guy has done too many good things. The question is, 'Are the pieces right around him?'"
One criticism of Rondo is that he dominates the ball too much. Another is that he cares too much about his statistics. Ainge called the entire notion of double-doubles and triple-doubles "nonsense" and said he understands the criticism of Rondo's attempt at keeping his streak of consecutive games with double-digit assists alive earlier this season vs. Detroit. But he says most of Rondo's triple-double performances have transcended the stats.
"The rebounds he gets, most guards can't get," said Ainge. "The assists that he gets, a lot of people can't get."
Ainge sounded relatively happy with his current team. He did not sound like a GM looking to make drastic changes for this season.
"I think I've been pretty consistent on this team the last couple of years,"he said. "I said I like the individuals. Obviously I don't like 20-23, which we were when Rondo got hurt. I didn't like any part of that.
"But what I particularly said is I like what these guys are made of, especially our core guys. When it comes down to playoff basketball, I know what they're made of, and I know that they have the gear to take it to another level."
Ainge said he expected the Celtics to make some kind of move, but not necessarily a major one, before the Feb. 21 NBA trade deadline.
dis gon be good. ;)
+1....fun exciting stuff, I agree
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What's new?
1. Point-blank admitting he'd trade Pierce (but talk to him first). I don't think I've heard Ainge go on the record like that before.
2. His comments on the criticisms of Rondo, and the belief that the team is better off without him (wonder if Ainge reads Celticsblog).
3. His expectation of making a trade before the deadline. Wyc has also said this, but Ainge hasn't said so, if I recall correctly.
^^^thanks for the clif notes!
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Ok Danny beacuse you are open and listening...
Trade Terry for Billups
Trade Rondo for Howard
Trade Bass and Collins for Smith
Reintegrate Melo
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Ok Danny beacuse you areopne and listening...
Trade Terry for Billups
Trade Rondo for Howard
Trade Bass and Collins for Smith
Reintegrate Melo
What's new?
1. Point-blank admitting he'd trade Pierce (but talk to him first). I don't think I've heard Ainge go on the record like that before.
2. His comments on the criticisms of Rondo, and the belief that the team is better off without him (wonder if Ainge reads Celticsblog).
3. His expectation of making a trade before the deadline. Wyc has also said this, but Ainge hasn't said so, if I recall correctly.
^^^thanks for the clif notes!
Go home.
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Ainge ""He single-handedly carries us every night"
Single-handedly dominates the ball for 48 minutes every night. Oh yeah terrible defense and turnovers galore.
The only thing I like about Rondos game is his rebounding.
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Ainge ""He single-handedly carries us every night"
Single-handedly dominates the ball for 48 minutes every night. Oh yeah terrible defense and turnovers galore.
The only thing I like about Rondos game is his rebounding.
Rondo turns the ball over around once every ten minutes, which isn't too shabby for someone who "single-handedly dominates the ball for 48 minutes every night." It's about the same rate as Steve Nash in his two MVP seasons.
You claim the only thing you like about Rondo's game is his rebounding. You don't like Rondo's passing?
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Doc Rivers reaffirmed why O.J. Mayo didn’t become a Celtic last season.
On WEEI Thursday morning, Doc Rivers said Memphis backed out of the deal that that would have swapped Mayo for Ray Allen.
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Ainge ""He single-handedly carries us every night"
Single-handedly dominates the ball for 48 minutes every night. Oh yeah terrible defense and turnovers galore.
The only thing I like about Rondos game is his rebounding.
Rondo turns the ball over around once every ten minutes, which isn't too shabby for someone who "single-handedly dominates the ball for 48 minutes every night." It's about the same rate as Steve Nash in his two MVP seasons.
You claim the only thing you like about Rondo's game is his rebounding. You don't like Rondo's passing?
Given he averages, what, 36 minutes a game I think you aren't seeing just how amazing a "stat" this is. Oh, this is also the poster who has hypothesized that rondo would be a great amnesty candidate, ago, yeah. Thankfully posters here aren't running this team.
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Rondo for a late first. Or a second round pick.
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The fact that he would listen to offers for Paul is awful. The fact that he openly talks about it is just effing nauseating. I hate that man.
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The fact that he would listen to offers for Paul is awful. The fact that he openly talks about it is just effing nauseating. I hate that man.
"Nothing has been talked about with Paul," said Ainge. "Nothing is close to being done. I too would like to see Paul retire as a Celtic.That would be great. We're all attached to Paul. He's been great for the city, the franchise, and he's been a true pro. Having said that, if something came up I would talk to Paul. My job is to do what's in the best interest of our team, regardless of my personal ties or my personal feelings with the players."
Not sure what more you want. Doesn't want to trade Pierce, but will entertain the notionif it benefits the team. That's his job.
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Paul Pierce is the one guy on this team I would not trade.
Our offense flows well through him. As long as we don't run that darn iso at the top of the key for him every time late in a game. To easy for other teams to defend.
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The fact that he would listen to offers for Paul is awful. The fact that he openly talks about it is just effing nauseating. I hate that man.
His job is to do what's best for the team. Not be a paul pierce fangirl.
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The fact that he would listen to offers for Paul is awful. The fact that he openly talks about it is just effing nauseating. I hate that man.
His job is to do what's best for the team. Not be a paul pierce fangirl.
Pierce is my favorite player and I am 100% anti trade Pierce. However why wouldnt I listen to offers? You listen to offers for everybody. Someone blows you away then you think about. If it doesnt you move on.
Im sure Danny talks to a different GM about trading Pierce everyday. Im sure some of them is between laughter, some of them might make sense but ultimately he says no. Just the nature of the job.
"Hey Kupchac, what would your team look like if we did Pierce for Kobe?"
"Haha."
"So hows the weather out there."
Stuff like that Im sure happens in every single coversation.
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The fact that he would listen to offers for Paul is awful. The fact that he openly talks about it is just effing nauseating. I hate that man.
"Nothing has been talked about with Paul," said Ainge. "Nothing is close to being done. I too would like to see Paul retire as a Celtic.That would be great. We're all attached to Paul. He's been great for the city, the franchise, and he's been a true pro. Having said that, if something came up I would talk to Paul. My job is to do what's in the best interest of our team, regardless of my personal ties or my personal feelings with the players."
Not sure what more you want. Doesn't want to trade Pierce, but will entertain the notionif it benefits the team. That's his job.
Couldn't agree more.
It's the right way to GM. The sport is different, but I will always look to the 49ers in their prime. They knew you wanted to catch players on the rise. They made the move from Montana with that same strategy and look how that worked out?
People complaining about a GM doing his job? C'mon guys.
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Rondo for a late first. Or a second round pick.
That is pretty awful value for even an injured Rondo.
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Rondo for a late first. Or a second round pick.
That is pretty awful value for even an injured Rondo.
It's a joke.
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Rondo for a late first. Or a second round pick.
That is pretty awful value for even an injured Rondo.
It's a joke.
Tone is a tricky thing on the internet
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Rondo for a late first. Or a second round pick.
That is pretty awful value for even an injured Rondo.
It's a joke.
Tone is a tricky thing on the internet
No no sorry, I mean that offer of a late first and a second is a joke.
Yeah you're right about tone on the internet I think this exchange proves it haha.
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Im sure if DA trades PP people will want his head, call him the worst GM ever etc.
But that would depend on the trade. IF it make us better for the next 5 to 8 years. We will only be slightly good to good for the next couple years.
So as much is it hard for DA to trade a guy he likes and respects, he also has to keep the team winning, which also makes the team money. If you were the manager at a store you'd have to do the same thing. you might like an employee, but he just isn't getting the job done, you have to move on and bring in new blood.
Now Im not saying PP isn't getting the job done, but he is showing age, that just the life of the NBA.
As sad I would be to see PP go, if it brought in new young talent that in a couple years would make us legit contenders for years, I'd be okay with that. Or at least understand it.
And don't give me the whole ride it out then tank and get draft pics crap. Other than trading the # 5 pic for the guy that could shoot well, and DA having a friend in Minni to help out the draft hasn't been kind to us. Even the #5 should have been #1 or 2. ITs a risky move.
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The fact that he would listen to offers for Paul is awful. The fact that he openly talks about it is just effing nauseating. I hate that man.
"Nothing has been talked about with Paul," said Ainge. "Nothing is close to being done. I too would like to see Paul retire as a Celtic.That would be great. We're all attached to Paul. He's been great for the city, the franchise, and he's been a true pro. Having said that, if something came up I would talk to Paul. My job is to do what's in the best interest of our team, regardless of my personal ties or my personal feelings with the players."
Not sure what more you want. Doesn't want to trade Pierce, but will entertain the notionif it benefits the team. That's his job.
Couldn't agree more.
It's the right way to GM. The sport is different, but I will always look to the 49ers in their prime. They knew you wanted to catch players on the rise. They made the move from Montana with that same strategy and look how that worked out?
People complaining about a GM doing his job? C'mon guys.
Loyalty. Look at his body of work... you aren't going to let him retire a Celtic? Think carefully about the costs vs. benefits of trading him... which wins out? I don't see us markedly improving by shipping him out - not in the near future or long-term, considering what he will bring back. In my humble opinion, the argument to trade him on logistical grounds, then, sucks.
The issue of loyalty adds major fuel to the fire for me. If you're shopping him, do it quietly. This strategy is beneficial in nearly every profession. Loyalty is a huge component of winning. People aren't coming here if they don't feel valued or at all protected from being dumped.
Finally, you don't need to coddle to be loyal and respectful. Loyalty/respect wins, and if you're going to deviate from both - shopping him around, again - he should shut his mouth about it to the media. It's disrespectful to the backbone of our organization for X number of years.
A "fangirl," as someone above stated, is better defined as a fair-weather fan that has no appreciation for the grit that Paul/this unit have shown together for X years. Not a fan that values loyalty/respect.
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The fact that he would listen to offers for Paul is awful. The fact that he openly talks about it is just effing nauseating. I hate that man.
"Nothing has been talked about with Paul," said Ainge. "Nothing is close to being done. I too would like to see Paul retire as a Celtic.That would be great. We're all attached to Paul. He's been great for the city, the franchise, and he's been a true pro. Having said that, if something came up I would talk to Paul. My job is to do what's in the best interest of our team, regardless of my personal ties or my personal feelings with the players."
Not sure what more you want. Doesn't want to trade Pierce, but will entertain the notionif it benefits the team. That's his job.
Couldn't agree more.
It's the right way to GM. The sport is different, but I will always look to the 49ers in their prime. They knew you wanted to catch players on the rise. They made the move from Montana with that same strategy and look how that worked out?
People complaining about a GM doing his job? C'mon guys.
Loyalty. Look at his body of work... you aren't going to let him retire a Celtic? Think carefully about the costs vs. benefits of trading him... which wins out? I don't see us markedly improving by shipping him out - not in the near future or long-term, considering what he will bring back. In my humble opinion, the argument to trade him on logistical grounds, then, sucks.
The issue of loyalty adds major fuel to the fire for me. If you're shopping him, do it quietly. This strategy is beneficial in nearly every profession. Loyalty is a huge component of winning. People aren't coming here if they don't feel valued or at all protected from being dumped.
Finally, you don't need to coddle to be loyal and respectful. Loyalty/respect wins, and if you're going to deviate from both - shopping him around, again - he should shut his mouth about it to the media. It's disrespectful to the backbone of our organization for X number of years.
A "fangirl," as someone above stated, is better defined as a fair-weather fan that has no appreciation for the grit that Paul/this unit have shown together for X years. Not a fan that values loyalty/respect.
I'm the last person who would say we should give Pierce away. All the reasonable proposals I've seen I haven't liked.
But being sentimental or too loyal can kill your franchise. I understand and respect where you are coming from, but as I cited, do you think the 49ers made the wrong move when they brought up Young and let Montana go? History says yes they did. Montana is considered by many to be the greatest QB of all time, yet they made a hard choice.
But it was the right one.
The situation isn't the same for us, but my point remains. If there was a good enough offer, I'd be willing to do it.
And I'm all for honesty from Ainge. really, in our current world, it'd all come out anyways. And then it'd probably be worse for Pierce if Ainge is saying nothing directly or to his face and then looking behind his back. He wouldn't trust him at all.